Canadian Citizenship by Descent

• Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
• Canadian Citizenship
• Canadian Proof Of Citizenship
• Spousal Sponsorship
• Parent Sponsorship
• Child Sponsorship
• Super Visa
• Intracompany Transferee
• Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
• Labour Market Impact Assessment Exempt Work Permits
• Entrepreneur Work Permit
• Post-Graduate Work Permit
• Study Permit
• Provincial Nominee Programs
• Temporary Resident Permit
• Rehabilitation
• Humanitarian & Compassionate
• Refugee Asylum
• Refugee Group of 5
• Refugee Appeals
• Federal Court Writ of Mandamus
• Sponsorship Appeals
• Rural and Northern Immigration

The Substantial Connection Requirement

For a person born outside Canada on or after December 15, 2025, citizenship may pass beyond the first generation if the Canadian parent born or adopted abroad had a substantial connection to Canada.

The parent must generally demonstrate at least 1,095 cumulative days of physical presence in Canada before the child’s birth. Documents such as educational records, employment information, tax documents, travel records, or other evidence may help establish time spent in Canada.

Determining whether the requirement has been met may involve reconstructing years of residence and travel history. Pilkington Immigration can help review the available evidence and identify documentation that may support the application.

How Pilkington Immigration Supports Your Application

Our process begins with a review of your background, family connections, dates of birth, and the way your parent or grandparent obtained Canadian citizenship. We also consider previous citizenship applications, historical records, adoption circumstances, and name changes that could affect the case.

After assessing your potential eligibility, Pilkington Immigration will explain the application process and supporting-document requirements. We can help organize family records, identify gaps in the evidence, prepare the citizenship certificate application, and ensure the information is presented consistently.

If Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada requests additional information, we can help you understand the request and prepare an appropriate response. No particular result or processing time can be guaranteed, but careful preparation may reduce the risk of avoidable complications.

Clarify Your Status Before Making Important Plans

Uncertainty about citizenship can affect passport applications, travel planning, relocation, employment, education, and the ability to pass citizenship to a child. Assuming that you are Canadian solely because you have a Canadian parent or grandparent may lead to problems if the relevant legal requirements and family records have not been reviewed.

Obtaining professional guidance can help clarify whether you may already be a citizen, whether the substantial connection requirement applies, and what evidence is needed. Understanding your status early also gives you more time to locate historical documents or address inconsistencies before they delay an application.

Take the Next Step Toward Confirming Your Citizenship

Canadian citizenship laws have changed over time, making descent cases highly dependent on personal and family history. Pilkington Immigration provides careful guidance to help you understand the current rules and prepare a well-supported application for proof of citizenship.

Call us to discuss your Canadian family connection or request a consultation online today.